B.C. Lions Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams becomes the 13th player in team history to win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award.
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick made an immediate impact on the Lions’ new look defence. His 92 defensive tackles not only led all Lion defenders but also shattered the previous record for a Canadian rookie of 75 set by current Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea in an 18-game season in 1993.
Williams also recorded his first career interception in a victory at Ottawa on August 28 while adding one sack and fumble recovery in his impressive rookie campaign.
“Being honoured as the top rookie means the world to me,” Williams said.
“Coming into 2021 we had a short camp, a short season, guys coming out of college, guys coming from the NFL and they had me coming off the couch. Winning Outstanding Rookie is phenomenal and being recognized on this stage is very special. It was high on my list of individual goals this season.”
The previous Lions to win the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie honours are: QB John Sciarra (1976), REC Leon Bright (1977), DL Mike Gray (1985), RB Jon Volpe (1991), DB Steve Muhammed (1998), LB Paul Lacoste (1999), LB Barrin Simpson (2001), SB Jason Clermont (2002), REC Frank Cutolo (2003), DL Aaron Hunt (2006), RB Martell Mallet (2009) and LB Solomon Elimimian (2010).
